AP Music Theory

Instructor: Mr. Larry Fisher

Contact: (630) 679-3425

fisherle@vvsd.org

www.vvsd.org/bhsmusic/

Syllabus Contents:

I.  Overview

II.     Outcomes

III.   Materials

IV.  Organization of Class

V.     Grading

 Overview

Music theory is a set of systems for analyzing, classifying, and composing music and the elements of music. Narrowly it may be defined as the description in words of elements of music, and the interrelationship between the notation of music and performance practice. Broadly, theory may be considered any statement, belief, or conception of music (Boretz, 1995).

Musicians study music theory in order to be able to understand the relationships that a composer or songwriter expects to be understood in the notation, and composers study music theory in order to be able to understand how to produce effects and to structure their own works. Composers may study music theory in order to guide their pre-compositional and compositional decisions.

We have added AP Music Theory to the BHS curriculum in order to prepare our young musicians who plan to further pursue Music at the collegiate level. This class is intended for and is taught as a first year college level music theory class.

The spectrum for music theory is very large. We will concentrate on the theory of western music (Europe and America). Students will cover the following topics:

-         What is Music?

-         Basic Notation / Elements of Rhythm

-         Tonality – Major Minor

-         Intervals and Transposition

-         Introduction to Melodic Organization and Counterpoint

-         Triads, Seventh Chords, and Diatonic Triads

-         Root Position Part Writing

-         Cadences

-         Harmonic Progression

-         Texture / Form

-         Non-Harmonic Tones

-         Secondary Dominants / Secondary Leading Tones

-         Modulations

Perquisite:  The amount of musical knowledge among the students at BHS is astounding. However, some perquisites for the class are: 

-         An advanced literacy in music reading

-         Instructor Permission

-         Readiness to learn from and assist others with different skills and interests

-         Willingness to learn independently and take initiative

OUTCOMES

At the conclusion of the course, the students will be assessed in:

-         Written musical analysis including voice leading, chord progressions, and figured bass.

-         Aural and Oral skills including intervals, chords, and scales in major and minor keys.

-         Compositional skills

MATERIALS

Binder with:

-         Notebook paper for notes

-         This class syllabus (provided by instructor)

-         Self Tests (provided by instructor)

-         Sight Singing Examples (provided by instructor)

-         Staff Paper (provided by instructor)

-         Writing Utensils

It is recommended that each student purchase a USB flash drive stick for saving extensive compositions and computer work.

ORGANIZATION

Class Periods:  Class Periods will include four types of activities:

-         Presentations and demonstrations by the instructor,

-         Guided practice with instructor in computer software, sight singing, and written exercises,

-         Individual and group hands on practice, and

-          Discussions

GRADING 

Reading Assignments: Students will be responsible for reading assignments in order to prepare for class discussion and written work.

Written Work: Students will be given daily written assignments. The Self Tests are for the students use (because the answers are in the back of the book). The workbook pages will have a varying grade dependent on the amount of problems on the individual assignment. Each assignment will be given a due date. Assignments submitted late will be graded lower by 10% after one week. 

Sight Singing: Students will be guided in sight singing exercises. They will also be responsible for practicing each exercise in order to prepare for the oral tests.

Quizzes & Tests:  Most topics will have a quiz to be completed during class time and turned in to the instructor. There will be a final exam given at the conclusion of each semester. Students will be responsible for making up any quizzes or tests within a week of absence.

Extra Credit: There will be random extra credit assignments given by the instructor throughout the year.

Grading scale:

100 – 90 = A 

89 – 80 = B

79 – 70 = C

69 – 60 = D

59 – 0 = F

Weekly outline for the class (this may be revised dependant upon the speed of the class): 

 The next set of weeks will be provided on Monday the 26th.